What lights are required for a vessel towing more than 200 meters astern at night?

For a vessel towing more than 200 meters astern during nighttime, it is necessary to display specific navigation lights to ensure visibility and communicate its activity to other vessels. The proper configuration includes red and green sidelights to indicate the vessel's port and starboard sides, respectively, as well as three white lights arranged in a vertical line.

The inclusion of red and green sidelights is aligned with the regulations governing traditional vessel visibility, helping to identify the direction the vessel is facing and to ensure safety during navigation in crowded waters. The three white lights in a vertical line serve as a clear identifier of the towing vessel's presence and the length of the tow, which is especially important when the tow exceeds 200 meters. This comprehensive light arrangement ensures that other vessels can clearly understand the intentions and configurations of the towing vessel, minimizing the risk of collision in low-visibility conditions.